Neverman, Cheryl Sue 1947-2012

NEVERMAN, CHRISTENSEN, MITSCH, NIXON, DEINES

Posted By: Ruth - Volunteer
Date: 7/22/2012 at 15:12:20

Cheryl Sue Neverman, 64, died July 18, 2012 at Hospice Savannah following a long battle against cancer. Her final days were spent surrounded by loving family.

Born October 13, 1947 in Clinton, Iowa to Victor and Doris Christensen, Cheryl was the second oldest of four siblings. Cheryl attended grade school and high school in Clinton, and then graduated from Iowa State University with both her bachelors and masters degrees. She lived in Iowa, New York, and Washington, D.C., before moving to Georgia in April to be closer to family at the end of her life.

During the last 22 years, Cheryl enjoyed a fulfilling career for NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), however her commitment to traffic safety started long before that as a State Parent Teachers Association officer, which led to positions at the Iowa Highway Safety Office and the New York Department of Transportation. During her career at NHTSA, her many accomplishments included developing the first Standardized Child Passenger Seat Safety Training Program, helping to establish NOYS (National Organization for Youth Safety), and assisting to lead the agency's work to reduce underage drinking and driving. Early in her career, Cheryl also owned and operated a day care center and a women's clothing store - both in Clinton, Iowa - following her graduation from college.

Cheryl developed many lifelong friendships over the years. She shared with both friends and family her love of good conversation and good books. Cheryl created a loving home for her family and everyone who came through her doors. Every Christmas, friends eagerly anticipated her strawberry and raspberry jams, from her mother's recipe. Her happiest times were when she could spend them with her children and grandchildren. She was an inspiration to many whose lives she touched. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

Preceded in death by her father, Cheryl is survived by her mother, Doris Christensen of Clinton, IA; her daughter Sonja Nitsch and husband Jeff of Houston, TX; son Eric Neverman and wife Melissa of Germany; daughter Leah Nixon and husband Brian of Savannah, GA. Cheryl also strived to be the best Grandma ever to her loving grandchildren Abby & Olivia Nitsch and Brianna & Liam Nixon. She is also survived by brother, David Christensen of Reno, NV; sister, Kay Christensen of Newport, OR; brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Dawn (Deines-) Christensen of Decorah, IA., numerous nieces and nephews, and also her special sister-in-law and friend, Diane Neverman.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa at 11 am, with visitation preceding the service at the church at 10 am. The decedent's cremains will be interred in a private ceremony at Springdale Cemetery in Clinton, Iowa following the services. A celebration of life will also be hosted in Washington, DC for family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either the National Organization for Youth Safety (NOYS) Cheryl Neverman Leadership Scholarship (donations may be made online at: noys.org or send checks to: Sandy Spavone at National Organizations for Youth Safety, 7371 Atlas Walk Way #109, Gainesville, VA 20155), or to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190 , Savannah, GA 31416.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks the many friends and coworkers who provided unending support for Cheryl during the last year, including the amazing, loving staff of Hospice Savannah. You were all a blessing for her.